National Adult Literacy Database

A new online tool connecting skilled workers, employers, post-secondary institutions and government is tackling fears of a looming labour crisis that is expected to produce up to 500,000 vacant jobs across the country over the next decade.

The theme of International Literacy Day 2012 is Literacy and Peace. This theme was adopted by the United Nations Literacy Decade (UNLD) to demonstrate the multiple uses and value that literacy brings to people.

In the survey, nearly four out of 10 (39 per cent) workers interviewed said knowing their career path is very important to their overall job satisfaction. Nearly half (48 per cent) of respondents feel this feedback is at least somewhat important.

Social finance is an approach to investment or managing money that aims to deliver social and/or environmental benefits. Social finance models are being widely explored as potential new sources of funding to address social/environmental issues. Since these investments must produce both a social and a financial return, proponents assume that social finance approaches are more likely to generate innovative practices and better performance by funding recipients.

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games offer an excellent opportunity for parents and children to cheer on their favourite athletes while practising literacy skills.

An overwhelming majority of Canadians (94 per cent) believe that small businesses play a critical role in the growth of the economy and almost nine-in-10 (88 per cent) view them as vital job creators, according to an RBC/Ipsos Reid survey.

"On behalf of all premiers, I congratulate the 2012 recipients of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award," said Darrell Dexter, Premier of Nova Scotia and Chair of the Council of the Federation. "The determination of literacy learners and the devotion of literacy advocates are an inspiration to all Canadians. The recipients of this award are all truly deserving of this recognition."

Consulting firm Towers Watson says it has found evidence that employers with a fully engaged workforce tend to have higher profit margins. The firm’s study covered some 32,000 employees, including 1,000 in Canada. It found that about two-thirds of the Canadian employees surveyed weren’t “fully engaged” in their work and felt frustrated by the level of support they receive.

NALD will continue to provide web hosting on its servers free of charge for non-profit customers focused primarily on community or adult literacy and essential skills. However, we will no longer be undertaking design, redesign, development or maintenance of websites.

Islanders with a disability or illness who are unable to get to their local library branch can have the joy of reading delivered directly to their own homes, thanks to the new Home Library Service.

Businesses that successfully hire and retain Aboriginal workers benefit in more ways than just finding qualified employees. Employing Aboriginal workers helps organizations build stronger connections and relationships within their local communities. Businesses become more diverse and inclusive when they tap into the talents of Aboriginal workers, and Aboriginal peoples who are successful in the workplace act as role models for others in their communities.

The Globe and Mail newspaper conducted a survey of student readers, asking whether they thought their summer earnings would cover their expenses for the school year. Of more than 150 respondents, 87 per cent said they had found a summer job, and 13 per cent said they were unemployed.

Twenty-first century learning was the defining theme of the Halifax meeting, where ministers exchanged information on a number of education-related topics.

In times of economic uncertainty and ever-changing information technology, organizations – whether in the public domain or private sector – are often obligated to sit back, reflect and re-evaluate their activities and priorities. With this in mind, the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) is adapting some of its services and setting a new course for the future.

Grass Roots Press, in partnership with ABC Life Literacy Canada, is delighted to announce the September release of four new titles to the popular adult literacy Good Reads book series. Good Reads are original books by bestselling Canadian authors written for adult literacy and ESL learners.